The Swedish Elite League has a definite Senators' flavour to it these days.

Now add Todd White to the mix.

The Senators centre confirmed yesterday he'll be leaving Boxing Day to join Sodertalje in the Swedish league, making him the fourth Ottawa player to head there since the NHL lockout began.

Captain Daniel Alfredsson could raise the total to five when he suits up for Frolunda, possibly as early as Sunday. Already there: Zdeno Chara (Farjestad), Marian Hossa (Mora) and Chris Phillips (Brynas).

"I'm just excited about getting back to playing hockey again," said White, who has been working out with the OHL's Ottawa 67's almost daily since the lockout started.

"I know I had said I was going to wait until I found out whether the season was cancelled or not before deciding to go overseas, but I didn't want this window of opportunity to pass and then have to wait another month."

SMALL WINDOW

White was one of several NHL players to sign yesterday for overseas duty. If he had waited any longer, his chances would have been slimmer because more top players are expected to move next month if there's no agreement.

"This was a window of opportunity that closed (last night) and if I had waited the job that was available may have been taken," said White.

White won't be accompanied by his family to Sodertalje, a suburb of Stockholm. But they will visit on a regular basis. He won't be the only NHL player there either. The club already has Atlanta's Niclas Havelid, Florida's Olli Jokinen and Pittsburgh's Dick Tarnstrom on its roster.

White, the Senators' player rep, said he decision doesn't mean he thinks the season is going to be cancelled after talks failed last week.